Supplements: Help or Hype for Healthy Eating

If you have ever wanted to lead a healthier life, the chances are high that you have tried all manner of shortcuts and regimens. Perhaps, you often face the temptation to use supplements alone to achieve a particular fitness goal. When it comes to living a healthier lifestyle, you need a definite schedule – no shortcuts.

Can you become healthier by taking supplements? The market is full of different types of supplements, so it is crucial to learn more about supplements before buying any.

Read on to get a brief overview of supplements so you can determine whether you should include them in your fitness plan.

Image by Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels

Do Supplements Work?

Many mineral and vitamin supplements exist nowadays. While this sounds good, it can also be challenging to know which supplement is the best for you.

Whether supplements are effective or worth your money are critical questions that you should consider when considering adding supplements to your fitness journey. However, before purchasing any supplement, you must be ready to eat healthy foods. It makes sense to also read up on how others use supplements like reading Morning Complete reviews to get an idea of how they might affect you, and find out if anybody has suffered any serious side effects that you want to avoid. So, can Supplements Help You Achieve a Healthier Life?


The answer to this question is no and yes. Without the right diet, no amount of supplements will help you have a healthier life. If you follow a balanced diet, but you are yet to achieve your fitness goals, feel deficient in a few areas, or think your diet isn't good for your specific goals, the right supplement will help.

For instance, you will need to buy creatine or similar supplements if you need to boost your muscle mass, especially if you are an athlete. The secret to making the best out of supplements is to take them alongside nutrient-dense foods and a balanced diet.

Tips for Taking Supplements

Notably, how you take your supplements matters a lot as far as their efficiency is concerned.

Here are a few tips on how to take supplements appropriately:

1. Be Careful With the Dosage

Every supplement comes with a recommended dosage, either available on the label or given by your doctor. It would be best to remember that you take supplements to boost your existing nutrients.

Overdosing on supplements does not help you achieve your health and fitness goals; it can cause several side effects like diarrhoea or even lead to serious health issues such as liver damage. 

2. Make Sure to Read the Label

Any supplement comes with a label that outlines information on the supplement's nutrition and ingredients. This information should help you establish whether the supplement is organic or natural. Reading the label enables you to determine the suitability of a particular supplement for your health and fitness plan. There are so many great supplement options check out  Gundry MD Energy Renew for a great energy-giving option. 

3.Take Supplements Alongside Health Foods

Supplements are not food substitutes. If you want to benefit from any supplement, you must use it alongside a balanced diet. That way, the supplement will boost the nutrients from the foods, so your body achieves the nutrients it needs to function effectively.
Final Thoughts

If you were thinking of getting supplements to substitute for food or even as a quick fix, it is high time you changed your mind. Adding the right kind of supplement into your diet can help you achieve your fitness goals. Make sure to stick to a balanced diet!

Four Ways To Update Your Living Room

 After living in your home for a while you may walk into your living room and feel that it needs an update. Maybe you’ve been updating all your other rooms, like your bedroom and bathroom and now it’s time for your lounge area? Depending on your budget, there are many ways to update your lounge area from simply adding a rug as an affordable option, to replacing the furniture if you have a more generous budget. Below are four ways of updating your living room for all different budgets. 

Image from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-living-room-3209045/ 

Add A Rug 

Rugs are one of the best things to purchase when updating any space within your property. They instantly make a difference and can be changed every couple of months (If you have enough space to store the old rug). If you have children, it can protect your flooring and they come in many shapes and sizes to fit in virtually any room. For inspiration, search Instagram and you’ll see a whole range of styles that may fit your living space. Plus, this can be done on a lower budget. 

Change Your Furniture 

Your furniture in your living space often completes the room. Your sofa may take most of the space with the colour having a large effect on how the room feels. If you live with someone elderly, updating your chair to a lift chair may help with their comfort. If you budget allows it, why not take a look at replacing some of the furniture with something new. Depending on where you shop, you may be surprised at how much certain things can fit in a lower budget. 

Put Things On Your Wall 

When you look at the wall in your property is it looking a little bare? So many properties don’t hang things on the wall and are missing a trick. Hanging art on the wall breaks up white space and adds some personality to your room. You can choose different coloured art if you want to add some colour to the room, or maybe black and white if you want a more neutral approach. If you don’t want to hang art on the wall, you could always look at adding some photos or hanging a mirror as that is great for making a room look and feel bigger. 

Accessories 

What accessories do you have around your living room? Accessories are a great way to make a change to the room and add a new dynamic. Standing lamp shades add light whilst a drinks trolley could act as a centerpiece. Maybe you have some ornaments that you can display in the room, or you add a coffee table to make the room look less empty. There are a whole plethora of accessories that you can add that will instantly change the feel of the room. 

What changes have you recently made to your room? Have you tried anything from the above? Have you already updated your living room and are planning on working on another room? Let me know in the comment section below, I would love to hear from you. 

Win a Dyson airwrap styler

Well Its valentines day and we are all at home it's not quite the day we would have chosen, is it? Not to worry I think I have found a reason to smile. Today I have something a bit special to share with you all Its a competition but not just any competition its one to win a Dyson Airwrap styler. I am so insanely jealous of the winner of this one as I have lusted over this particular item for a while but haven't yet pulled the trigger on it. It has so many functions, you can curl your hair wave it, add volume and of course you can dry your hair with it too. I have super fine hair and I have heard this is one of the best ways of getting curls to last in fine hair. I have always wanted curls that last. Normally If I do them they drop out in a few hours which is so annoying. 

This has been a holy grail product for so many celebrities and influencers a like and I can see why. I am waiting for my faithful hair dryer to break so I have the perfect excuse to treat myself to this little bit of hair tech. 

This competition has been arranged by the lovely Neesha from Reinventing Neesha. She is so lovely, so if you get a chance why not check out her blog. She always has the best competitions. She is amazing when it comes to making money and money-saving deals. You need to check out her site if you want to make a bit of extra cash or save some money on products. She is is your woman. 

Neesha has gathered some of the UK best blogger to come together to give one of you a Dyson Airwrap. So without further ado read below how to enter and have the chance to win this amazing prize. 

Good luck 

 

Bloggers Taking Part

Reinventing Neesha | Chilling with Lucas | Melanie's Fab Finds | Lipgloss and Curves | Doing Numbers | Monethalia | Reality in Reverie | The Life of Dee | Our Transitional Life | Spilling Life Tea | Lottie Lately | Lisa's Notebook | Vegan Etc | The Little Landeg | Pounds and Sense | Hollie Plus | Testing Time Blog | Pretty Core | Mumernity | Lylia Rose | Afshanesque | Gemma Etc | Miss Makeup Magpie | Kayleigh Zara | Alice in Sheffield | Mind Over Meds | The Financial Wilderness | Boxnip | Hawkes at Home | Explorersaur | Recipe for Home | Life with Ktkinnes | Discount Days Out | Live the Easy Life | Be Happy Be You | Gift Guides | Laura Hadley | Best Lodges with Hot Tubs | Rach Talks Business | Family Loving Life

The Prize

One lucky winner will win themselves the highly coveted Dyson Airwrap worth a whopping £450! The Dyson Airwrap is currently the hottest tool on the market and with it's hefty price tag it's not accessible for many.

The Dyson Airwrap comes with 6 hair styling attachments to dry, curl, wave and smooth hair. The Airwrap with intelligent heat control measures airflow temperature over 40 times a second and regulates heat, to ensure it always stays below 150°C.

The Dyson Airwrap also comes with a tan storage case to store your Airwrap and it's attachments safely.

How to Enter

To enter simply complete all or any of the rafflecopter entry options below. The more you complete the more chances you have of winning.

The competition ends at Midnight on Sunday 14th March and a winner will be drawn on Monday 15th March. If for any reason the chosen prize is out of stock at the time of the draw, the winner will be able to select an alternative prize up to the same value.

For full entry terms and conditions please see the rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck Everyone!

Investment Ideas to Improve Your Lifestyle

 

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Everyone wishes they had a bit of extra cash to improve their lifestyle, it might be to upgrade the home or travel to a place you've never been before. Investing your money for this purpose might have crossed your mind but many people are put off by the process of investing. It sometimes seems intimidating or inaccessible. Nothing could be further from the truth. Read on to find out how to make work for you. 

Stock market

The stock market is what most people think of when they think of investing. It's the giant room you see on the news or dramatised in movies. The place with huge boards that say buy and sell, with people shouting indecipherable instructions at one another. 

It might seem like an inaccessible place to start your investment journey, but actually, you only need to understand a few key aspects of it to earn money investing. Read articles on Investopedia for more information and learn about investing from Internet videos. 

Property Investments 

Maybe you have a mortgage for a house you live in, or perhaps you rent, either way, investing in property is an excellent way to build financial security and save for the future. Property investment can be an excellent short or long term investment. 

Search the property market for a house for sale, flat for sale, or bungalow for sale. You don't have to buy the property for yourself, you could be a landlord and earn short term returns as well as profit when the property is finally sold. The simple formula for real estate investment is to buy low and sell high. 

Bonds

If you want a highly secure long term investment then consider putting your extra money into bonds. Bonds are issued by governments and companies, they are essentially a way of lending a company or government money. What you get in return for this loan is interest payment. 

There are lots of types of bonds to choose from, and you can invest greater or smaller amounts for different returns. Bonds are not entirely free of risk, especially if they are corporate bonds - companies have a greater risk of going under than governments - but in general, they are a very safe way to invest. 

Mutual Funds

A mutual fund is a pool of investors money that is invested in several companies. When you invest in a mutual fund, you contribute to the funds. Mutual funds can be managed in one of two ways: actively or passively. The way the mutual fund is managed determines the levels of return. 

With active investing a mutual fund manager will try to beat the market index by choosing investments that outperform competitors. Conversely, the passive approach simply monitors the market index seeking opportunities to improve returns. Mutual funds carry less risk than stocks and bonds. 

Exchange-Traded Funds

Exchange-traded funds or ETFs are similar to mutual funds, but they are more diversified and better for beginners traders who want to limit their risk. An ETF is a collection of investments that are sold on the stock market. Unlike Mutual Funds, their price fluctuates throughout the day. 

With mutual funds, your return is calculated at the end of each trading day and represents the asset value of your investments. With ETFs the return is likely calculated in real-time and is based on changes in the market index. Since you are trading diversified stocks instead of individual ones, ETF is recommended for beginners. 

Cryptocurrency 

Another excellent avenue for beginners investors to get started with is cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency has been waiting in the wings for many years, but only since 2017 did it become an acceptable investment opportunity: acceptable to the major investment institutions that is. Accordingly, one way to enhance your cryptocurrency trading opportunities is by using a trading platform like Libertex - if you would like to learn more about Libertex why not check out this guide to Libertex Bitcoin kaufen (buying Bitcoin via Libertex). 

There are several cryptocoins to choose from and more are emerging all the time. Each coin has its own pros and cons. Some offer high yields while others give you better access and more opportunities. It's best to research the best of the list and identify the one that's right for you. 

Fixed Deposit

If you are committed to investing your money over the long term you will need a strategy that yields the best results. That won't be the interest you receive in your current bank account, which is likely to be minuscule. Instead, opt for a fixed deposit account that offers you more.

If you want to invest you probably have some dormant money resting in your account. Find a high interest fixed deposit account instead. These accounts can be found on or offline. They typically offer high-interest rates and allow you to take a break at any time. 

Gold

When you think about investing in a fixed long term asset you probably think about buying real estate, but gold might be the better option. Investing in gold means you always have a secure and dependable asset to rely upon, even when the economy enters a downturn. 

Of course the state of the economy will always influence the price of gold, but it's value will never be completely lost and it will always recover. You can sell your gold assets at any time and you can even borrow money against it from certain banks. 

Blockfi Account

Since conventional bank accounts don't offer much interest for storing your money there, it makes sense to look elsewhere – especially since there are so many other investment opportunities around. A Blockfi account is a type of cryptocurrency account that offers a much higher rate of interest. The interest is around 8.6% as opposed to 0.5% at a traditional bank. The account will store your money as a cryptocurrency but it allows you to change it back quite easily. 

Online Savings Account

In the same way, Blockfi account offers you better interest rates online and an online savings account gives you more options for your money. These accounts are specially designed for storing and saving your money, they help you to accrue better investment over time. As with traditional accounts, your return on investment will depend on the level of funds in your account and the length of time they sit for.

Signs that your Diet just Isn’t Good (And What you Can Do About It)

If your diet is in dire need of an overhaul, then it’s not your waistline that will suffer, it’s your health in general. Weight gain can indicate that you need to rethink whatever you are putting into your body, but evidence has also shown that there are various other health problems that could stem from having a poor diet. Some of them may surprise you.

Your Hair is Dry
Your organs need to be given a high amount of nutrition in order for them to function properly. Healthy hair follicles really are no different. Starvation diets can lead to you experiencing malnutrition and this can make your hair feel very brittle. You may also find that you experience things such as hair loss as well. Studies show that diets which are very low in protein or nutrients, which can include iron, vitamin C and even zinc can all be associated with hair loss. You may also experience thinning hair and loss of pigmentation too. If you want to stop this from being the case then it is wise for you to try and eat lean sources of protein, such as grilled salmon, eggs, seeds and vegetables. Seeds and nuts can also be eaten if you want to have healthy hair.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Your Skin is Ageing
Ageing is inevitable to say the least. Research is showing time and time again that a nutritious diet can easily promote good skin health and it can also delay an outward sign of ageing too. Systematic reviews have been done and they show that diets which are rich in various vitamins, including vitamin A, C, E and D all contain flavonoids and these have a beneficial effect on your skin. If you want to reap these benefits and if you want to have a much more youthful appearance, then it would be wise for you to consume five servings of fruit and vegetables every day. If you need some help, then Zo Skin Health have an array of skin enhancers.

Your Oral Health is Bad
Bleeding gums and inflamed cavities are all signs that you have a bad diet. If you have too much sugar then this could be one of the reasons why you have holes in your teeth, so consider how much sugary drinks you are ingesting. Swollen gums are also a sign that you are deficient in vitamin C, so try and make sure that you eat more foods that contain this and take supplements if you really need as well.

Your Brain is Drained
Are you having problems with your memory, concentration or even fatigue? Your brain depends on nutrition if it is to perform at its best, so you have to make sure that you have a good intake of Omega 3 if possible. This will play a huge part in your cognitive development and it will also help you to maintain a good level of concentration. If you can, you need to choose foods such as walnuts, flax seeds, fish oil or even salmon.

Give Your Property A New Look This Year

 If you are on the lookout for things you can do to make your property look like new, the list is truly endless. There are always things you can do that will help to make your home look completely different, and it is always worth thinking about these, especially if you are hoping to sell at some point in the near future. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of the options you have when you want to give your property a new look this year. Following any of these is bound to help you with that process.

Pic Source - CCO Licence

Upgrade The Curb Appeal

One of the most important things you can ever do with your home is to improve and upgrade its curb appeal. This is something which makes the property more of a viable prospect for people to buy, while also ensuring that you are adding significant value to the property too. There are many ways to upgrade the curb appeal of your property, but one of the most effective is to get a facelift for homes for your property, which includes re-installing windows and doors and generally making the exterior look like new. Doing that is bound to help things along.

Simplify The Garden

If you have a garden area, you might find that it is something that often actually gets in the way of your ability to keep your home looking its absolute best. For that reason, it’s a wise move to try and simplify the garden in whatever way you can, so that you can ensure you are going to be able to look after it much easier while also keeping the exterior of your home looking its absolute best. You could replace the lawn with artificial grass, for instance, or just ensure it is tidy as much as possible.

This does not mean you have to forgo style and design. You can still ad stylish garden furniture. Why not add a bit of a laid back vibe and add something cool like a couple of hammocks to your garden? These can be easy to install and remove in the winter months. but can add majoy style points for you home.

A Splash Of Color

Of course, one simple thing you can always do to make your home look like new is to give it a splash of color. By simply painting it a particular color, you are going to help lift it up in an interesting way, and yet the great thing is that this is such an easy thing to make happen. The important point is that you choose a color which will suit the home and which you are going to be happy with on the whole. If you can do that, it is really going to be worthwhile.

Get Rid Of Clutter

Finally, do all you can to try and get rid of any clutter you might have in the home, and then to keep it away too by ensuring none builds up again. If you are thinking of selling, this is one of the best ways to make your property look its very best, but it also happens to make it a nicer place to live, as well as meaning that the property has an all new look - especially if it has been over-cluttered for too long.

Getting Your Home Ready To Sell

 You may feel like the list of things you have to get in place in order to sell is never-ending when it comes to selling your home, but like anything else, a little preparation and planning goes a long way in life. However,   it is very important to make sure your house is ready to sell, instead of just sticking it up for sale. It is especially important if you want to sell quickly -  it is worth taking the time to get your house in the best possible place ready to sell.

Most people who are looking to purchase a house do not want one that requires a lot of work. The more inviting and better that your property looks in the brochure or website photos, the more likely it is that people will book a viewing and perhaps go on to make a purchase. It is vital, therefore, to make some effort into getting it looking good. This does not necessarily have to involve redecorating your house top to bottom, or spending a small fortune on staging your home though. No - that cash is much better spent on your new home, whether that is a 5 room HDB in Singapore or a villa in the South of France.

You may feel pretty overwhelmed and perhaps a little flustered by the whole system if you are about to put your house up for sale, so here are some tips for getting your house ready to sell.

Pixabay CC0

Spend some time decluttering

Perhaps the most critical part of making your house look as nice as possible is decluttering. A cluttered home never feels good, but when you are trying to plan for relocation, even less so. This is a perfect opportunity to get rid of any stuff you have lying around that you no longer need or want if you are thinking of moving soon.

It can also be a good idea to take any excess furniture out of your home, as well as packing up some extra toys and personal items or any items that you can manage without for a little while, so that it looks more spacious and open everywhere, and gives potential buyers the ability to envision their own furniture and belongings in the space. 

It will also help you to save costs too - the fewer things that you have to pack up and take, the cheaper it will be.

Clean up

After you have had a good decluttering session, it is time to give the whole house a thorough clean. We do not mean just run the vacuum around the floors and wipe the counters down, but a proper, deep clean. Make sure the bathroom is sparkling, wipe down every single surface, mop the floors, clean rugs and carpets, make sure that baseboards and kickboards and banisters are free from grubby marks, and so on. If cleaning is not your thing or you do not have the time, hire a professional cleaner - many offer a deep clean or one-off clean as a service.

Tidy up the outdoor area

Even though an outdoor area is one of a house's strongest selling points, it is often the one area that is most ignored and neglected. There are several easy ways to make things look nicer without investing too much, such as adding nice furniture and accessories, some attractive plant pots and ensuring the fences are nicely painted, pruning back any trees and bushes, and all is neat and tidy, Putting a nice outdoor table and chairs on a patio area will encourage potential buyers to imagine sitting outside on a hot, summer night with a glass of wine.

Give all of the rooms a once over

Make a note of everything that still looks a little slipshod and could do with freshen-up while you clean and tidy. It can make such a difference if you give a room a fresh lick of paint, or you might even add some color to a room if it looks a little drab. Adding some color with a lick of paint to every space is something that will always have an immediate effect. Some accessories such as rugs may also be added, for instance, to cover up a carpet that no longer looks its best.

By putting some of these tips into practice, you will take away much of the stress associated with a house move so that you are physically and emotionally prepared for you to move to your new home, wherever that may be.

Five Tips to Improve Your Morning Workout

A great and successful morning workout starts with early preparation. According to many fitness trainers and wellness enthusiasts, there is no better workout than early morning. For optimal performance, however, early preparation is paramount and takes into account several factors. Below are tips to help you prepare for your morning workout;

Go to Bed Early

Humans follow a sleep cycle called circadian rhythms. Our rhythms are always reset by events like establishing meal times, using an alarm clock, and having routine workout times. It is advisable to go to bed 30-40 minutes early to sleep within your regular sleep schedule.

Research has proved that routine morning exercises improve one's sleep; hence developing a habit of going to bed earlier may be suitable for your body. To get the best out of your workout, you need to get enough rest.

Prepare Early

To get an incredible morning workout, you have to prepare early by getting everything in order the night before. Before you sleep, take time and assemble all the items you will need for your morning workout. If you intend to go jogging, get your hydration pack for running ready. If you are going cycling, ensure your bike is in good shape and all accessories in order. Get your pushup blocks, jump rope, bands, and workout attire in the right place.

Commit a few minutes before you go to bed and go through the checklist of all items you will need and activities you will be involved in. Still, on early preparation, it is good to think out your pre-workout meal in advance. Research shows that the body tends to burn more calories just before a workout. Eat a small or medium-sized meal that is easy to digest without causing bloating.

Wake up Early

The essence of going to bed earlier is to create more sleep time so that you can be able to wake up early. At first, waking up earlier may be a big challenge, but with time, you may no longer need an alarm as your body gets used to the routine.

Train your body to expect a morning workout as the first physical activity after waking up. Waking up early also creates enough time to complete your workout activities in time and face the day.

Perform A Longer Warm-Up

In the morning, the body temperature is always lower. At the start of exercising, the body undergoes several changes like increased respiration rate, increased blood flow, and increased oxygen going to muscle cells. You need to perform an adequate warm-up to ensure that these bodily changes respond gradually.

 
Start With What you Enjoy

You will be motivated to wake up every morning if you are performing workouts that you enjoy. Workout activities range from yoga activities, brick runs, and bike rides, among others. Priorities those workouts you enjoy to ensure you stick to the routine.

To help with consistency, consider recruiting a partner to work out with. Have a pre-arranged time with your workout partner. This way, you will be forcing you to wake up early as you have to honor your pact with your training partner.

5 Must-Have Car Features for a Smooth and Safe Driving Experience

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Cars have come a long way. They still serve the primary purpose of transportation. However, the experience is better nowadays because of a wide range of new and emerging features. These new features serve purposes such as safety, entertainment, and other conveniences.

Every car should have all the necessary features for the best driving experience. Here is an overview of 5 features that would make that used SUV for sale feel brand new:

Evasive Steering

It is common to come across unexpected developments on the road. It can be a deer coming from nowhere or a speeding car or biker pulling up in front of you. Whatever the case, you may need to maneuver quickly to avoid a collision.

The evasive steering feature is designed to make quick maneuvers safer and more effective. This feature provides extra support to the steering wheel when there is a risk of collision. However, it works best when there is some distance between the car and the other object.

Smart Suspension

Driving would be a rough experience without rubber wheels and the car’s suspension system. The standard suspension system helps keep the car stable when driving on uneven terrain, making for a comfortable and smooth driving experience. The new suspension system serves the same purpose – but it does it better.


Pexels

The smart suspension system will automatically increase or decrease the load on any wheel, depending on the road’s overall terrain. It will make for an even smoother experience, especially for off-road driving.

360-Degree Camera System

The introduction of the rearview camera was almost revolutionary, as it made parking easier. It also gave rise to the 360-degree camera system.

The 360-degree camera system installs cameras on all side of the car. The system gives the driver a bird’s eye view of their car. They can see everything going on around them, including kids playing next to the car or hiding under the wheel compartment. It makes driving safer and easier.

Head-Up Display

Have you seen those movies with futuristic cars that have a touchscreen for a windshield? Well, the future is here!

Head-up display shows the car’s vital information in the windscreen instead of the dashboard. To this end, you can monitor your car’s speed, fuel capacity, battery capacity, GPS directions, and more on your windscreen without looking down at the dashboard. This is convenient and safe, as it reduces distractions while driving.

Blind Spot Alert

The risk of collision increases when you are backing up because of limited visibility. Fortunately, the blind spot alert feature is purposely designed to prevent this.

This feature alerts you when there is an obstacle in your way, whichever way you are driving. The feature sends audio and visual alerts to your display when you come into close proximity with other objects. It is one of the most reliable safety features in a car.

Final Thoughts

Every car should have these features, ideally. These features are designed to keep you safe on the road and make driving easier, enjoyable, and more convenient. It is worth investing in a good car diagnostic scanner to check your car regularly for any fault it may have developed. I recommend icarsoft they offer the best and most up to date scanners on the market. This gives your more confidence in your car being in top condition inside and out. 

How To Rent Out Your Home While You Are Away Travelling

One of the big questions people have when planning a long trip is, ‘what should I do with my house?’ If you will be away for months rather than weeks, you may be worried about leaving your home unattended because, after a while, it becomes obvious that nobody is living there. So, what should you do with it?



Source - Pixabay CCO License


One option is to ask a neighbour or a friend to pop round every now and again while you are away. The problem is, that’s a pretty big ask if you’re gone for six months or a year. You’re also paying for a house that you are not living in, which can be a big drain on funds if you are travelling.

Some people avoid this by moving out and selling their house (if they own it). This can be a good option but it also means that you don’t have anywhere to live when you return.

If you want the best of both worlds, you should consider renting your home out while travelling so you can cover the costs but you still have somewhere to come back to. If you think this is the right option for you, here are some key things you should know.

Ask Permission

First up, if you are a renter, ask permissions before you sublet the property. If you don’t, you could violate your lease and the landlord then has grounds to evict you. That’s the last thing you want to be dealing with while you’re trying to enjoy your trip, so always ask permission first.

Move Your Stuff Out

It will be a lot harder to find tenants that want to live in a house or apartment that is filled with all of your stuff. It’s best to find a company like Rosebud Mini Warehousing to put everything in storage for you. That way, when you return, you can move back in and pick up where you left off. Leave major pieces of furniture in the property if the tenant wants them, but get rid of everything personal.

Make A Few Upgrades

You don’t want to spend thousands renovating the property, but if you are trying to find tenants, you should make a few upgrades. There are plenty of cheap ways to improve your home and make it more attractive to renters. In the kitchen, for example, you can swap out the doors or even just paint them and add new handles to give the impression of a newly fitted kitchen. A fresh coat of paint throughout makes a huge difference too.

Set Expectations

When you find some tenants, it’s really important that you set expectations about the let. If they are looking for a long term place, they’re not the right fit because you will be coming back and expecting to move in. Let people know upfront when you will be back from your trip, and consider using sites like Airbnb to find short term tenants instead of permanent lets.

Renting your property out while you travel is a great way to take the financial burden off, but it’s important to follow these tips to avoid any disasters.

Learn to Love Your Home in 4 Simple Steps

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There comes a point in your life when you have to accept that you will never own a luxury mansion. You’ll never get to slide down the banisters of your marble staircase before going for a few lengths in your Olympic-sized swimming pool. But you also come to realise that this doesn't matter. You don’t need designer kitchens and acres of land to feel happy and comfortable in your home. You just need to change your mindset.

It doesn’t matter whether you have a tiny cottage or live in a crowded apartment block: anyone can learn to love their home. All it requires is a few good habits and simple tricks, and you will wake up every single day feeling grateful for what you have. Here are four steps to get you to this point.

Keep it clean

If your home is cluttered, disorganised, and dirty, it’s no surprise that you aren’t enamoured with it. If you take care of your living space, you will be much more likely to enjoy spending time there. Make an effort to keep it as clean as possible, and you will feel happier and less stressed every day. Every single object in your home should have a dedicated space to which you always return it after use. Adopt good habits such as washing dishes straight after meals and clearing floors and surfaces before you go to bed.

Make better use of space

The more free space you have in your home, the lighter you will feel, and the more room you’ll have for activities. You shouldn’t be tripping over toys and sweeping papers off the dining table before every meal. The best way to achieve this is to go through your home and systematically declutter every room. Get rid of anything you don’t need, whether by recycling it, selling it, or donating it to charity. For everything that’s left, invest in some smart storage solutions to keep your possessions discreetly out of sight.

Fill it with things that make you happy

What are you passionate about in life? What truly makes you happy? Whatever it is, fill your house with it, and you will feel your best whenever you’re at home. If you love reading, put your book collection on display. If you’re a movie buff, put up some posters and memorabilia from your favourite films. If it's your kids that bring you the most joy, get some attractive photo frames and hang their pictures on the walls.

Add some colour

Colour is a truly magical tool when it comes to transforming your house. It can be used to create any mood you like throughout your home, depending on how you want to feel. If you want a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere, use light pastel shades of pink, green, or blue. However, if you prefer to create a more upbeat, lively environment, opt for bright, bold hues of orange and red.


By following these four tips, you will soon grow to love your home more than ever, and you’ll never want to leave.